HYGROSCOPISM. 



^83 



anthetmun tripolmvi). On the approach of rain, or 

 when placed in water, these seed vessels gradually 

 open like a star, closing again as they become dry. 

 Thunberg, remarking on this circumstance, says : — 

 " In this we see the wisdom of an All-wise Creator, 

 inasmuch as this plant, which is found in the most 

 arid plains of South Africa, keeps its seeds closely 



Fig.^o. — Q.z.-^swXtsoiJMesembry- Fig. 51.— Capsule of 



antheinum tripolium closed. Mesembryanthetmcin hi- 



poUicni open. 



locked up in time of drought; but when the rainy 



season comes, and the seeds can grow, it opens its 



capsules, and lets fall the seeds, that they may be 



dispersed abroad." These capsules have also been 



known by the name of " Flowers of Crete." 



The violent dehiscence of fruits is occasioned m 



